Kukla's Korner Hockey

Best quote summing up the NHL-NHLPA Civil War comes from Jimmy Devellano. The Red Wings exec v.p. puts it thusly: “The NHL owners took Bob Goodenow’s eyes out and put grapes in!” And if you want a more legal version, consider what labor lawyer Jeffery Kessler has to say. Kessler calls the NHL deal, “The largest setback for players that I’ve seen in collective bargaining.”
One of the most vivid - and brilliant - bits of upstaging was Gary Bettman’s decision to speak at the NHLPA dais in Toronto, following the player ratification. The Associated Press photo shown ‘round the world was worth 1,000 words. It clearly depicted a winner and loser. Bettman is standing over the seated Goodenow, extending his hand in obvious triumph. Goodenow looks as if he had just stepped out of a Madame Troussaud’s Wax Museum.